Man United in Talks to sign 28-goal striker — Mourinho keen on deal

Manchester United could make a contract offer to Zlatan Ibrahimovic before the end of the month. Jose Mourinho is keen on having the Swede in his first-team squad as he looks beyond the group stage of this season’s Champions League.

Ibrahimovic, 35, was a huge hit during his debut campaign with United last term as he found the net 28 times across all competitions. However, his season ended slightly early due to a nasty knee injury sustained in April, and he has since undergone a surgery to rectify the problem.

The veteran is currently a free-agent following his release from Old Trafford earlier in June, but United have helped in his rehabilitation by allowing him to use the facilities at the club’s Carrington complex.

According to The Mail, United could offer him a new deal as early as this month with Mourinho keen to ward off interest from potential rivals. Ibrahimovic is expected to return to first-team action during the month of December, and the manager is hoping to utilise his services for the knockout stage of the Champions League, which should reach with their team strength.

Ibrahimovic had been on a weekly wage package of around £360,000-a-week last season, and he may have to take a significant pay cut to prolong his Premier League career.